Carnegie International Opens at CMOA; PPG Hosts John Mullaney; ‘Clyde’s’ Previews at City Theatre; (Sat., 9/24/22)

“Dressing Up” is optional for visitors to the Carnegie International, and it’s also the title of an ironic painting by the self-taught Balinese artist I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih.

1) The latest edition of one of the world’s premier art shows, the 2022 Carnegie International, opens today in Pittsburgh. This huge exhibition of works by artists from around the world has been a global tradition for more than a century. It is the second-oldest recurring show of its kind—the first International was staged in 1896, under the auspices of Andrew Carnegie himself, a year after the first Venice Biennale in Italy. The current International is the 58th, having evolved to a once-every-four-years schedule, and is staggering in scope. It includes pieces and performances by 79 individual artists or groups. There are contributors from Indonesia and from Braddock, the latter being Braddock native and photographer/activist LaToya Ruby Frazier. Breaking somewhat from the “contemporary” label, this year’s show also features works by renowned modern artists now deceased, such as Kate Millett and Claes Oldenburg. You can expect to see art in just about all media imaginable. The 58th Carnegie International bears the thematic title Is it morning for you yet? Learn the origin of this curious phrase on the show’s main web page … where you can click the “Opening Weekend” tab for special opening events and performances … and should definitely use the “Visit” tab up top to reserve timed entry tickets!

Chief curator of the International is Sohrab Mohebbi. He worked with associate Ryan Inouye and assistant Talia Heiman to organize a titanic exhibition on schedule, despite delays and difficulties caused by the Covid pandemic. The host institution, as always, is Carnegie Museum of Art. And while some attractions are located elsewhere in the city, the main body of the 58th Carnegie International runs through April 2, 2023 at 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. (M.V.)

Julian Abraham “Togar” has described himself as an artist, musician, and pseudo-scientist. This installation photo is from the Rijlksakademie Open Studios in Amsterdam. The work re-materializes in Pittsburgh at the 58th Carnegie International.

2) Comedian, writer, actor John Mulaney sure has lived the life of the proverbial “Riley” in recent years. His stats are impressive: writer on “Saturday Night Live,” Hosted “SNL” five times, nominated for 18 Primetime Emmy Awards and winning two, performed on “Live at Gotham,” “Conan,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,” “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” and “Comedy Central Presents.” He’s also had his own sitcom on FOX, “Mulaney,” and four TV comedy specials. And also the Netflix children’s comedy special “John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch.” See Mulaney on his From Scratch Tour at PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

CLYDE’s by Lynn Nottage. City Theatre. September 24 – October 16.

3) Lynn Nottage, whose comedy Clyde’s kicks off City Theatre’s new season in September, is the
only woman to have won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. If that alone doesn’t whet your
appetite, her play, set in a truck stop diner somewhere in Pennsylvania, features a full menu of
feisty characters all hell-bent on making the perfect sandwich. What they create, however, is
something surprisingly savory. And much sweeter. The New York Times famously reviewed its
2021 Broadway opening under the title “Sometimes a Hero is More Than a Sandwich.”
Nottage’s kitchen of characters, all former inmates, are encouraged to explore the inner
sanctums of their imaginations and the restorative power of food. 5:30 p.m. 1300 Bingham St., South Side. (C.P.O.)

4) The Mind of Mencia—the one belonging to comedian Carlos Mencia—is a very funny and turbulent place, brimming with jokes and humorous observations about culture, race, politics, and family. “The Mind of Mencia” was also a highly rated stand-up and sketch comedy TV show hosted by Mencia that ran on Comedy Central from 2005-08, coming in second only to “South Park” as the top-rated show in ’06. Growing up in the economically challenged gangland of East Los Angeles, Mencia walked the straight and narrow with the help of his family. He did well in school and went on to study electrical engineering at California State University, Los Angeles. He left college early after tasting success at an open mic night at The Laugh Factory. He’s had numerous acting, comedy-special, and talk-show appearances. Catch his act tonight at 8 p.m. Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (C.M.)

COTRAIC 43rd ANNUAL POW WOW—Sept. 24 – 25, Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center. Dorseyville.

5) At summer’s end, in late September, comes the lovely time known as Indian Summer. And with it comes the spectacular Annual Pow Wow held by the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center. The Council doesn’t represent a particular American Indian nation or tribal group; it’s a service and cultural organization for everyone in our region whose ancestors arrived in America long before any Europeans did. The Pow wow reflects this diversity and is open to everyone, period. Major attractions are the music and dancing, which begin with the “grand entry” of dancers at 1 p.m., then continue through the day. There are drum contests and dance contests. Also on tap are traditional American foods, plus arts and crafts (with items such as handmade jewelry, clothing, and ceramics for sale), and children’s activities. Although most dancing is done by experts skilled in the authentic styles, there are dances which all guests are invited to join. And, as at any pow wow, just plain socializing is a big part of the experience. Noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 24 and noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 25. 120 Charles St., Dorseyville. (M.V.)

Running back Israel Abanikanda is off to the races. (Photo: Ernest Borghetti and the University of Pittsburgh)

6) The Pittsburgh Panthers football team are coming off a good win last week against the Western Michigan University and are 2-1 and are currently ranked at 24 in the AP Poll. Today they play Rhode Island at Acrisure Stadium. Noon. 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

Russell Cicerone kicks the ball past a New York Red Bulls II defender. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)

7) Hound dogs can be good hunting dogs. And the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club always seem to be in the hunt for USL soccer league championship and they’ve recently clinched another playoff spot. Tonight they will line up against the Orange County SC at the beautiful Highmark Stadium. See some great soccer action up close and in person. Tonight is Hispanic Heritage Night. 7 p.m. 510 W. Station Square Dr., Station Square.

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